By THE OBSERVER UG
Despite the gloomy experiences of 2023, several Ugandans did remarkable things in the country to improve the quality of life.
The Observer compiled a list of individuals and institutions whose works positively impact society through inspiration, skilling, business, sports, activism, or even research, innovations and, most especially, causing accountability. In no order, the individuals are recognised for creating a profound influence to inspire other Ugandans.
JIMMY SPIRE SSENTONGO
He wears several hats right from university don, satirist, cartoonist and social commentator. But the one thing that endears him most to the public is his newfound activism.
In recent years, social media followers have severally hailed him as Uganda’s de facto inspector general of police as well as inspector general of government. Ssentongo has become the go-to person for public queries and has led a series of exhibitions that took place on Twitter between April and June 2023.
Notably, during the pothole exhibition, President Museveni unexpectedly allocated Shs 6 billion for road repairs in Kampala. While social media activism is recognized as a potent tool for raising awareness, these exhibitions spotlighted the capacity of social media to spur tangible real-world change.
PROF SUSAN KIGULI
During the recently concluded Civil Poetry Festival held in Vercelli, Italy, Ugandan poet, writer and academic, Professor Susan Kiguli was honoured with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her notable contribution to the world of poetry.
Kiguli became the first African to receive the prestigious honour which places her in the same league with other literary luminaries such as Jesper Svenbro and Adam Zagajewski, among others.
DR MOSES OCHOLA & IZATH NURA
Two Ugandan scientists, Dr Moses Ochola and Izath Nura (R) received the Africa Young Innovators for Health Award for their immense contribution towards universal health coverage.
The award supports young health entrepreneurs across Africa with the tools they need to advance promising healthcare solutions for the betterment of their communities.
JOSHUA CHEPTEGEI
In the world of athletics, Cheptegei’s performance was a mixed bag last year. Although he showed his dominance by winning his third consecutive World Championship 10,000 metres gold, his debut in the Valencia Marathon was not as impressive as expected. Unfortunately, he finished in 37th place, leaving much to be desired.
GLADYS ATTO
Ophthalmologist Gladys Atto, working at Moroto regional referral Hospital, emerged as the Doctor of the Year at the 2023 Heroes in Health awards.
She was awarded for her exceptional and selfless services, most especially in restoring the sight of her patients. Heroes in Health awards recognize outstanding individuals, entities, organisations, services, products, and programs.
JUSTICE STEPHEN MUBIRU
The no-nonsense head of High court’s Commercial court laid a marker on the independence of the judiciary in which he criticized the principal judge’s interference with a decision of a High court registrar.
In his bold ruling, he said that it was improper for the deputy registrar of the court to issue a garnishee order nisi and then recall it on the same day basing on the orders of the principal judge.
DR ARTHUR KWIZERA
He mobilized resources from his friends to construct and equip a new intensive care unit (ICU) at Kisoro hospital becoming the first district hospital in Uganda with an ICU facility.
The facility will enhance the necessary acute care services and training for acute care practitioners in the Kigezi sub-region.
NNAABAGEREKA SYLVIA NAGGINDA LUSWATA
Through the launch of her book, the Nnaabagereka was able to tell the story of one of the most significant kingdoms in modern history.
The successful publication of the age-old history of B(U)ganda and her Queen who has redefined the position of Nnaabagereka was a momentous event to write home about.
JOE GAYI
Uganda’s Joe Gayi emerged as the top winner in Absa’s L’Atelier 2023 awards. The awards aim to assist young artists on their journey of self-discovery and artistic growth.
Gayi became the first artist from Uganda to claim the spotlight, highlighting the diversification of winning artists from various African countries and underscoring the competition’s growing impact and the abundant artistic talent across the continent.
JOSEPH BEYANGA
Renowned broadcaster Joseph Beyanga is leading a one-man campaign for safer roads in Uganda. Through his Joe Walker campaign walks to different parts of Uganda, Beyanga continues to raise awareness about the toll road accidents have on communities in Uganda.
GHETTO KIDS
The dance group which comprises young kids from the ghettos of Kampala came out as finalists during the recent Britain’s Got Talent.
The group of globe trotters also featured at the award ceremony of the recently held CAF awards in Morocco. Their meteoric rise has been inspirational.
AGATHER ATUHAIRE
As freelance investigative journalist-cum-lawyer, Agatha Atuhaire won the 2023 European Union (EU) Human Rights Defenders award.
Leveraging her social media presence, especially on Twitter, Atuhaire has become a voice to reckon with. She has proven that citizens will always find ways to hold their leaders to account outside the traditional means of protesting.
NICHOLAS LUBEGA
This gentleman has a golden heart. During a heavy down-pour at Namboole inter-change, several people were close to drowning in a taxi after it failed to navigate the heavy flood waters.
However, Lubega, diving a Hardware World cement-mixer truck, risked his life to save the people by towing them to safety. Such kind-hearted people are very few in Uganda.
HAMIRA KOBUSINGYE
The climate activist was the 18th winner of the Bremen Solidarity Prize for her efforts against climate change and fossil fuels in Uganda. The award is intended to encourage individuals or initiatives working to overcome injustice and the consequences of colonialism and racism, as well as for democracy and human rights.
TONNY TUMUKUNDE
The young lawyer has created a niche as a serial philanthropist. On social media, he leads several funding drives on top of his regular motivational quotes.
DR MARTIN ORIGA
Dr Martin Origa, a medical specialist in the screening and treatment of cervical cancer at the Uganda Cancer Institute, was awarded for designing a strategy for screening cervical cancer using mobile technology.
He was awarded the Lee Jong-Wook fellowship at Yonsi University, South Korea. The strategy aims at stepping up sensitization campaigns and access to screening services to address the burden in the country.
JAMILAH MAYANJA
The entrepreneur won the 2023 AWA award for innovating water-proof smart bags. The bag aims at keeping girls in rural areas in school.
Made of recyclable plastic, the bag carries reusable sanitary pads, books, charging phones, and lighting the lamps. The bag has a solar panel and a USB port for charging phones.
Jamilah also won the 2023 Leadership Impact Award in the US. The Leadership Impact Award annually recognizes the individual achievements of one outstanding member of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Network.
ANTHONY NATIF
Shortly after the brazen killing of about 40 students at Mpondwe- Lhubiriha Secondary School in Kasese by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels, Natif led a group of friends to Kasese to condole with the families of the slain students.
The group of friends offered to support the education of the survivors through school. The education fund served as a much-needed ray of hope in the lives of the survivors.
KAKWENZA RUKIRABASHAIJA
In June, Ugandan novelist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija was announced as the winner of the Václav Havel Prize for Creative Dissent award for authoring ‘Banana Republic and The Greedy Barbarian’ books in which he takes aim at the political ills of the country.
The prize recognizes individuals who engage in creative dissent, exhibiting courage and creativity to challenge injustice and live in truth.
MOREEN AGENA AND EDWARD ECHWALU
The Echwalus recently completed a round trip from Uganda to South Africa dubbed Africa by road. Away from the exciting photos and short notes about their trip, the couple inspired more married people to spend quality time together outside the usual.
Theirs was an opportunity to tell Uganda’s story across Sub- Saharan Africa by road.
MAMA D
Dorcus Bashema Kirabo, aka Mama D, broke the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon. She broke the record at Zoe’s Cakes & Bites in Kira division.
She started the challenge on December 24, 2023, thus setting a record of 144 hours of continuous cooking. She surpassed the previous record set by Irish chef Alan Fisher at 119 hours, 57 minutes, and 16 seconds.
FRANCIS KIGOZI
Kigozi, a truck driver with modest earnings, has shown remarkable generosity by making a positive impact on several patients’ lives at St. Mary’s hospital Lacor, located in Gulu City.
Whenever he embarks on a journey from Kampala to Juba in South Sudan, he makes it a point to stop at Lacor hospital to donate items to the patients. His donations include food items and clothes.
ANATOLI KIRIGWAJJO
The same year, software engineer Anatoli Kirigwajjo won the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation Award. He was awarded at an event organized by the Royal Academy of Engineering in Accra, Ghana.
He created Yoga, a digital security network connecting communities within 20km through a smartphone app and SMS, hence providing security at the cheaper cost.
GODWIN TOKO
Toko completes the Atuhaire-Ssentongo trinity of individuals who have redefined the use of social media as a social protest platform about the challenges that Ugandans face. He has been very vocal about the continued disappearances of NUP supporters.
ALEX KAKANDE
On Twitter, Kakande now provides pro bono investment advice to several Ugandans. His tweets offer expert opinions on alternative investment sectors beyond traditional savings schemes.
AMOS WEKESA
Last year, Kasese municipality hosted the second edition of the annual Mountain Rwenzori Marathon, a brainchild of Amos Wekesa and other friends.
Just on their second birthday, A 42-kilometre running route that snakes through the lush green Queen Elizabeth National Park. Away from raising more awareness about the tourism promises of Kasese as a tourism destination, the marathon is a business opportunity for the residents of the town.
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